2003 Mercury Marquis no crank/no start condition

JERSEYGUY

MEMBER

2003 MERCURY MARQUIS

V8

2WD

AUTOMATIC

45,000 MILES

Car will not crank, no sound from fuel pump, and no spark. Jumped the solenoid and it cranked, but no start since there is no spark or fuel pump. Starter is good. Thought maybe the PATS but the light flashes every 2 seconds even while turning the (both) keys to start position. Checked fuses under dash and under hood with ohm meter. Nothing is blown. Exchanged some relays as a test. No difference.
Tried to get a trouble code by hooking up the reader. It says cannot communicate. I was wondering if I am looking at a bad PCM or some other hopefully less expensive problem?

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Monday, March 29th, 2010 AT 12:34 PM

5 Replies

MERLIN2021

EXPERT

When you jumped the solenoid, was the key in the on position? Wont start unless it is. Security prove out light should blink ever 2-3 seconds with key out, then when you turn the key to on, it will go on steady for a sec or two, then go out. Any aftermarket electronics? Remote start? There is also a known problem at the starter terminal:
Reference Number(s): 06-19-14, Date of Issue: October 2, 2006 Related Ref Number(s): 06-19-14 ARTICLE BEGINNING ISSUE Some vehicles may exhibit a no crank condition due to an open circuit in the starter relay to starter motor circuit at the starter motor connection. ACTION Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition. SERVICE PROCEDURE A new starter terminal wiring pigtail kit is released eliminating the need to replace the entire harness for the terminal connection. Refer to instruction sheet contained in Wiring Pigtail Kit for wiring harness service procedure. PARTS INFORMATION FORD: 1997-2007 Crown Victoria; 1997-2004 F-150 Heritage; 1997-2006 Expedition; 1998- 2006 E-Series; 1999-2006 F-Super Duty; 2002-2007 Explorer; 2004-2006 F-150; 2007 Explorer Sport Trac LINCOLN: 1998-2006 Navigator; 2003-2005 Aviator MERCURY: 1997-2007 Grand Marquis; 2002-2007 Mountaineer NOTE: TERMINAL KIT ONLY SERVICES THE STARTER RELAY TO STARTER MOTOR CIRCUIT. THE KIT DOES NOT SERVICE STARTER MOTOR BATTERY POWER CIRCUIT. NOTE: REFERENCE THE APPROPRIATE WORKSHOP MANUAL SERVICE SECTION 303-06 FOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE STARTER MOTOR WIRING TERMINAL CONNECTION PROCEDURES.

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Monday, March 29th, 2010 AT 1:05 PM

JERSEYGUY

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When I jumped out the solenoid the key was in the on position so it could have started if there was a spark. The fuel pump and injectors seem to be locked out also. I put a volt meter across the pigtail connection of the starter solenoid and had someone turn the key and there was no voltage reading. Curious though, when trying to start the car, the security light does not go out, but rather continues blinking every 2 seconds.
By the way, there are no after market parts on the car. No remote starter either.

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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 AT 5:55 AM

MERLIN2021

EXPERT

Then this is either a security module(RAP), or ignition switch problem. IGN fuses OK? If that security prove out light remains blinking, the key sense wire may be broken as well. I hate to say this, but a scan with the ford star tester will point out which of these is at fault. Check engine light may or may not be on, these will be "B" or "U" codes.

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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 AT 2:45 PM

JERSEYGUY

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Problem was worse than I had imagined. Got it towed to be put on a Ford scanner and they discovered the Powertrain Control Module was fried, even though it blew no fuses. But it has a happy ending. The vehicle still had 3 months left on the warranty! Boy, did I luck out! They said it is a rare thing to happen and will have to order a new one since they are not kept in stock.
Thank you guys for your help! Till next time when the warranty is expired.